Things to do this weekend
FRI 20 - MON 23 OCT 2017
Hunt for Pumpkins at Canons Ashby, 10am – 3pm, Sat 7 – Tues 31 Oct
Explore the grounds at Canons Ashby whilst seeking out pumpkins and solving the clues! Afterwards, pick up a spooky shortbread ghost or warm up with some soup in the tea room.
Canons Ashby, near Daventry NN11 3SD
Dr Fright’s Halloween Nights presents Legends of Horror, 7 – 10pm, 13 – 31 Oct
Earls Barton is creepy. Well, more creepy than usual anyway. The award winning, all indoor, one of a kind Halloween event is back at White’s Farm in Clay Lane, Earls Barton, with an all new show for you to experience: Legends of horror! Five live action scare mazes full of terrifying actors and mind blowing special effects! Simply put, it contains walk through horror attractions of a varying theme. In each attraction you will follow a dark and winding trail that will (hopefully) lead you to the exit. Along the trail you will encounter special effects, lighting effects, loud sound effects and most importantly live actors (see left and right of your screen). All set out to make you jump, scream and laugh in equal measure! Not to mention the 4 terrifying horror icons that will inhabit them – Zombies, Slashers, Cannibal Hillbillies and gulp, Clowns. (Thank you Stephen King). The team recently picked up the award for “The UK’s Best Halloween Screampark” and “Best Original Concept And Design”. The event is not suitable for the under 12’s or in fact Mr Muddy, who considers himself too sensitive for such spooky frolics. Tickets £15 – £25 depending on booking type.
Whites Nurseries, Clay Lane Earls Barton, NN6 0EP
Legally Blonde the musical, Royal & Derngate, 7.30pm Mon 16 – Sat 21 Oct
OMG you guys! Legally Blonde The Musical is coming to Northampton! Do you need any more of an introduction to the smash hit Broadway and West End musical, based on the much-loved movie? With Rita Simons (Roxy Mitchell in BBC’s EastEnders) playing Paulette Bonafonté, Lucie Jones (Rent, X-Factor, UK entry for Eurovision 2017) as Elle Woods, and Bill Ward (Emmerdale, Coronation Street) as Professor Callahan, this all-singing, all-dancing romantic comedy is a fun-filled, feel-good pink fest, so bend and snap up your tickets today! Matinee performances start at 2.30pm but do not run everyday. Tickets £19 – £42.50
Royal & Derngate, Guildhall Rd, Northampton NN1 1DP
Spooky Creatures quiz, Fermyn Woods, 10.30am – 4pm, Sat 21 – Tue 31 Oct
Pick up a quiz trail sheet from the Skylark Café, £2, and follow the red route to solve the clues.
Fermyn Woods Country Park, Lyveden Rd, Brigstock, Kettering NN14 3HE
The Canterville Ghost, Abington Park Museum, 2.30pm Sat 21 October
Ghosts in Abington? I’ve see a few Zombies knocking around Wellingborough Road, but Ghosts? Abington museum gets into the spirit of All Hallows with a spine chilling adaptation of Oscar Wildes classic gothic-horror novel “Dracula”. This particular version is a dramatic reading from Graham Padden in the character of Jonathan Harker. For those aged over 18 there’ll be a bar on the evening so you might want to sort out who’ll be driving the broomstick home as witching hour draws closer. Only suitable for adults and children over the age of 10. Adults £10, children aged 10+ £8
Abington Park Museum, Park Avenue South, Northampton NN1 5LW. 01604 837397 to book
Dollar Shake, The Retro room, Vintage Retreat, Northampton 8.30pm – midnight, Sat 21 Oct
Ooh yes please, this is right up Muddy’s strasse. Dollar Shake events brings us a fantastic night of Vintage music so dress to impress, dance till you drop and revive yourself with your favourite tipple at the licenced bar. Why not start the evening with Lindhop lessons from 7-8.30pm? Tickets are £6 each or an Extra £2 to include the lesson.
Dollar Shake, The retro room, Vintage Retreat, Lower Harding St, Northampton, NN1 2JL
Wharf Distillery ’Apple Day’ Artisan Market, 10am – 4pm Sat 21 Oct
Come and join team Wharf Distillery at their regular artisan market at Wakefield Country Courtyard. Local businesses will be showcasing their food, drink and crafts – some new and some familiar. Hot street food will be available alongside a real ale and cider bar to keep your energy up! FREE Entry, FREE Parking
Wharf Distillery, Wakefield Country Courtyard, Potterspury, Towcester, Northamptonshire NN12 7QX
View the Gardens at Boughton House, 11am – 3pm Sun 22 Oct
The beautiful gardens at Boughton House will be open for you to enjoy as part of the NGS Open Garden Scheme. Wander in the Walled Garden and Sensory Garden, marvel at the beauty of the Rose Garden and seek out the ancient Lily Pond. You can also enjoy a tasty treat in the tea room.
Boughton House, Geddington, Kettering NN14 1BJ
Antiques, Collector and Vintage Fair, Wicksteed Park, 9.30am – 4pm, Sun 22 Oct
This side of the gifting season there are a host of brilliant vintage fairs to indluge in – whether you’re an avid collector or a bargain hunter a good fair will have it covered. This one is a smasher. Renowned event organisers, Field Dog Fairs are holding one such fair at Wicksteed Pavilion. Entry is £3 per person, accompanied under 16’s go free, dogs welcome, free parking for those attending the event.
Wicksteed Park, Barton Road, Kettering, Northamptonshire, NN15 6NJ.
The Wizard of OZ, Lighthouse Theatre, 2pm and 6pm, Mon 23 Oct
Click your heels together and join Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Dorothy and her little dog Toto, as they journey through the magical land of Oz to meet the Wizard and obtain their hearts’ desires. Watch out for the Wicked Witch of the West as you rediscover the real story of Oz in this fantastic musical treat for the whole family. TICKETS: Full: £14 Concessions: £12 Family of 4: £48
The Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering Conference Centre, Thurston Drive, Kettering, NN15 6PB
The Wizard of OZ, Royal & Derngate , 2.30pm and 7.30pm, Mon 23 – 28 Oct
We’re off to see The Wizard! Again. This time he’s in Northampton.
Following their previous success with Sister Act and Grease, Northampton Musical Theatre Company return with a magical adaptation of the colourful classic The Wizard Of Oz. The yellow brick road arrives in October half-term with the RSC version featuring all the magical songs from the 1939 Judy Garland movie, including Over The Rainbow, Munchkinland (Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead), If I Only Had A Brain, We’re Off To See The Wizard and more. This year, there will also be a Wednesday matinee – where you are all invited to dress up in your favourite Ozian outfit.SPECIAL OFFER: BUY ONE ADULT TICKET AND TAKE A CHILD HALF PRICE (Wednesday Matinee Only).
Royal & Derngate, 19-21 Guildhall Rd, Northampton, NN1 1DP
Lets go and Park Run – Locations in Corby, Daventry, Kettering and Northampton
Mr Muddy’s recent dates with Susan Harrison, aka owner of Northamptonshire Running Mate – reviewed here– has been life transforming for him. Running with his new buddies – all of mixed running ability – means that every Saturday he’s up and about heading over to any of the 4 Park Runs taking place across the county at 9am. Once again the 5k courses are run at your own pace, you can jog, walk, take kids, take dogs – in fact you can pretty much get around the courses any way you fancy. The runs are free but you must register on line with Park Run. The running courses are manned by the brilliant park Run volunteers – so it’s a healthy way to have a great time with good people. Mr Muddy says if you think you can’t run – you can!
Detail of the Northamptonshire Park runs can be found here;
Wicksteed Park – STILL Open throughout Autumn 2017
Autumn still means FUN for us all in Northamptonshire. Wicksteed Park is open for only a few more weeks and will also be opening more than 20 attractions every weekend during October and each day during half term week (Mon Oct 23 – Friday Oct 28). Fun things to do include this year’s new experiences, Tree Top Walk and Meerkat Burrows. What’s more, you can enjoy a day of inclusive* activities from as little as £9 for senior citizens, £10 for adults/mini-me’s and £12 for children. This is also your last chance to use up your 2016 ride tickets, so don’t miss out! *Note this does not include RUSH or Wickys Factory.
Wicksteed Park Barton Road, Kettering, Northamptonshire, NN15 6NJ
3 for £15 Brunch Tapas, Bread & Pullet, Sat 14 Oct
On a recent weekend visit to one of Northampton’s favourite Restaurant’s, The Bread and Pullet, we had coffee and vittels in mind, but actually ended up with tapas deliciousness and a bottle of prosecco – their brunch menu of £15 for 3 dishes and free flowing bubbles is a winner. In any case, we beat the rush because at 12am the place was packed.
Bread and Pullet, 176 Wellingborough Rd, Northampton NN1 4DZ
Further afield….
Heading into autumnal London, me hearties? Yup, me too. A few hours’ in Harvey Nicks followed by cocktails at 5 Hertford Street and then…Woah, stop there girl! I’ve got kids in tow, which means trying to stay dry and stay perky whilst contending with the other ‘out of towners’ in the Capital’s museums, shops and all the usual attractions. But then, what about the prospect of warm welcoming seat and a cold glass of what you fancy in the darkness whilst you’re all being entertained? Although there won’t be much time for quiet thought with these blockbuster show tunes to admire– you’ll be toe-tapping and singing along before you know it. Check out the Muddy guide to 5 of the best West End Shows to keep kids of all ages amused this autumn.
Annie, Piccadilly Theatre
Heads up on this one – tickets are going fast so book yours now to see the best diva for the job – Craig Revel-Horwood (!) high kicking, falling over and passing out as Miss Hannigan. It’s a 10 from us Craig. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some legwarmers to put on…
Matilda The Musical, Cambridge Theatre
Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, Matilda revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dares to change her destiny (and entertain us all in the process). Tim Minchin’s award winning score will have you humming his tunes for weeks after the performance. Love it.
Young Frankenstein, Garrick Theatre
Perhaps one for families with slightly older kids for this Mel Brooks classic farce. So it goes, Grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced ‘Fronk-en-steen’) inherits a castle in Transylvania leading him to fulfill his grandfather’s legacy by bringing a corpse back to life. With help and hindrance from hunchback henchman Igor, buxom assistant Inga and needy fiancee Elizabeth, his experiment yields madcap success and monstrous consequences. Lesley Joseph ditches last years Strictly sequins for the greasepaint, alongside funny man Ross Noble. It’s gonna be good.
Disney’s Aladdin, Prince Edward Theatre
You ain’t never seen a show like this. Breathtaking sets, mind-blowing special effects, over 350 lavish costumes and a fabulous cast and orchestra bring the magic of Disney’s Aladdin to life on the West End stage. Featuring all the songs from the classic Academy Award®-winning film including ‘Friend Like Me’, ‘A Whole New World’ and ‘Arabian Nights’, prepare to experience the unmissable ‘theatrical magic’ (Daily Telegraph) that is Aladdin.
The Comedy About A Bank Robbery, Criterion Theatre
A priceless diamond has been entrusted to the city bank, but in a town where everyone’s a crook and even security guards can’t be trusted, what could possibly go wrong? Basically, everything goes wrong. Delivering swag loads of laughter, Ocean’s Eleven meets the Marx Brothers in this dynamite new comedy from the team that brought us ‘The Play that goes wrong’. Hilarious.
thecomedyaboutabankrobbery.com
Invaders – Sea Life London Aquarium (ongoing)
The London Aquarium never disappoints. The beautiful, bonkers and plain ugly get the full point and stare treatment. This month jellyfish joins the celebrity gold fish bowl with a new permanent exhibition dedicated to Ocean Invaders’. Discover the most dangerous species and create our own digital jellyfish. It’s cheaper to book in advance, £19.50 for adults, £14.50 under 16s and under 3s for FREE!
Sea Life London Aquarium, Westminster Bridge Road, Lambeth, London SE1 7PB
Robot Zoo – Horniman Museum until Sun 29 Oct
It doesn’t get much cooler than a robotic zoo. Let’s be fair it needs to be impressive to schlep deep into south east London. But it’ll be worth it to see a robotic rhino, a squid with 18-ft tentacles and a mahoosive house fly with a vacuum cleaner for a mouth at the Horniman’s Museum in Honor Oak. All the robot animals are made from everyday machines and gadgets. Through interactive games and challenges the creations will reveal how real anatomy works. Plus this museum with its quirky exhibits and large cafe and terrace is a big favourite with families at any time. Tickets: Adults £7; Kids, £4.
The Horniman Museum and Gardens, 100 London Rd, Forest Hill, London SE23 3PQ
KidZania – Westfield (ongoing)
Those who’ve been rave about this place at Westfield. A friend from overseas bought her sons for a rammed fortnight in London during which they saw pretty much every museum and attraction and this was their favourite. It’s a child-size ‘city’ where the kids are in charge (scary, no?). It provides real life role play experience for 4-14 year olds, blending learning and reality with entertainment. They can try more than 60 role-play activities (actor, doctor, police officer etc) with each experience crafted to teach kids essential life skills like team work and independence. Younger kids can hang out in the dedicated Early Years area. And you can, you know, go shopping.
KidZania, Westfield London Shopping Centre, Ariel Way, Shepherd’s Bush, London W12 7GA
Science Museum, Kensington, London (ongoing)
Masses on at this ever brilliant museum – spend the whole day here – including the new exhibit of Tim Peake’s Spacecraft – Soyuz TMA-19M. Also on is a brand new exhibition Robots, which reveals our 500-year quest to make machines human, from a 16th century mechanised monk to some of film’s most iconic robotic creations and the very latest humanoids. Finally, your kids will love Wonderlab, the newest and most spectacular interactive gallery in the world.
Science Museum, Exhibition Road, Kensington, London SW7 2DD
London Zoo, Regent’s Park London (ongoing)
Visit the amazing London Zoo and see Land of the Lions, a new immersive exhibit with walkways from where you can explore Indian-themed areas – including a train station, crumbling temple clearing, high street and guard hut. No extra charge – it’s all included in entry to the Zoo.
London Zoo, Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4RY
1 comment on “Things to do this weekend”
Really looking forward to taking part in KettFest and going along to the comedy.